First Semester 2013 Reflection

My first semester of Selwyn College has been great. I've had many option classes that I've enjoyed. I have had the classes; Maori, Drama and Spanish and I have the say Drama was the best.

My drama class had one of the best teachers, Ms Sophia. She is such a wonderful teacher and made Drama extremely fun. We had drama 3 times a week and each period we would do one act to our class. We would even play fun games at the beginning of class to get us hyped up and for the period. Having assessments were really fun as well and weren't boring at all. One of the things I really really liked about Drama was getting confident. I realized by the end of the semester I was becoming more confident in acting. It was awesome!

Maori was pretty fun too. My Maori class teacher, Whaea Whi was really funny and nice as well. We only had Maori for 1 term but we did hongi's with the class and I think I actually learnt heaps from this class. Stuff that I didn't even know before.

Spanish has been great. My Spanish teacher, Senora Murphy is really nice too. She's really patient with us and would certainly help us learn. I've learnt the basics and once I got the hang of it, it's pretty easy. I realized learning a new language is heaps of fun.

We're a quarter of the way through our second semester now. It's been great so far and I really hope this one is just as great.

Athletics Day.

So a couple of weeks ago, Selwyn College had their athletics day, which was great. There were heaps of activities! There was the normal, high jump, long jump, shot put, relays. One of the things I loved the most was that the teachers were very encouraging and had said we HAD to participate in at least one event. It didn't have to be a serious one because you could choose out 3 fun activities, the three-legged race, backwards race and gumboot throw. .

Mostly everyone had their house shirts worn and many also applied face-paint, for their house of course. The whole school had been told to assemble in the ASB stadium and from there, we would get marked and then head off to our buses. We then arrived at Mt Smart where our day had been planned to be.

All the teams settled down on the bleachers and from then on the day begun. A teacher came up and told everyone where every event was held, so we would know where to go. It was pretty awesome, how we were allowed to just sit around and just chill with our friends. First all the serious events were held, shot put, high jump, long jump etc. Then later on when all that had finished, the fun events were held.

Since I'm not a very sporty person, I ended up doing the three-legged race with my friend. It was great fun, because there were heaps of people tripping, and I guess my partner and I hadn't really worked out how we were going to be running, so I ended up falling...... face first! It was awesome!

After that, there was the the backwards race and the gumboot throw, both were pretty hilarious to watch. Not long after those events had finished, it was time to go back to school. It was a great day and I had absolutely loved it, other than the time where I fell face first. Hopefully we have more events like this, this year.

College!

2013, a new school, new people, new teachers and a new atmosphere. It has been about 2-3 weeks and so far, college has been great. I go to Selwyn College and it is awesome. The teachers are fantastic and the learning is great too. The subjects I have this semester are: Maths, Social Studies, Physical Education, English, Te Reo Maori, Science and Drama.

My favourite subject out of all of these has been drama. That's because, my teacher is amazing. Humorous, cool and I love the way she teaches, so lively and enthusiastic! Not saying all the other teachers are not good, they're great as well.

 Recently we had our year 9 camp, which was incredible! There were many activities, such as: High ropes, low ropes, kayaking, rafting, tramping, archery, mountain biking and many more. My favourite was the high ropes. There were 2 different activities included in this, one was the flying kiwi and the other one was where you walked across this huge log. I personally LOVED the flying kiwi. In this you get harnessed up and there is this long rope that is attached to you, which goes straight up and then down. On the count of 3 you run to this pole and your whole group pulls the rope and you go high up in the air in circles. It was one of the best things I've done in my entire life!

Lastly, one of the other things I love about college and the camp, was that I met all these new people from my house, Mangopare. There are also 3 other houses, Rautawa, Pitau and Takekitonga and I also got to meet people from those houses as well and everyone was lovely. That's what I love about Selwyn, it's so welcoming.

2012 Reflection

Honestly, I think that 2012 has been full of surprises. I think this because at the beginning of the year, I thought that year 8 wasn't going to be a very surprising year. Though 2012 has had their ups and downs and to be totally honest, I think there was an equal amount on both, though I won't say it on here. This is suppose to be happy, right?

One of the things that was great of 2012 was the friends. It's going to be our last year together and we've made the most of it and hopefully cherish this one last week together. My friends, Sylvia, Seini-Mino, Selena and Toreka have also been great support this year and I'm really going to miss when we leave, though we will still be in contact.

Another thing that I'm really glad about is the opportunities that I have gotten this year. Extension was great at this, one of the many reasons is because we got to meet a few guys from the Auckland Museum, where they taught us about animation now and also back in the days. There has been many opportunities that have been great and I'm really proud of taking them.

Camp Next Week

“I can’t wait for camp!!”. Yr 8’s had been saying this all this week. It’s Friday today and next week on Tuesday we’ll be heading down to our camp. CYC Ngaruawahia. This is located down south. If you didn’t know already the Yr 8’s always have a camp around the end of the year.

To be completely honest with you, I am not really looking forward to this camp because I am not a really big fan of camps but hopefully it will be lots of fun and I will be able to make the most of it. It is my last year at Pt England with all of my friends!   

Greek Mythology

In term 3 our class had to get into a group and from there we had to make a movie and we also had to choose from a list of topics associated with the olympics. My group consisted of 3 people, Seini- Mino, Jarna and me. We had the topic Greek Mythology. Here is our movie that we created, hope you enjoy.

Extension Creation

Last week the extension group got given a object which we then had to develop into a toy, though not in real life. We all had to think creative for this. The object I received was a cup.

My imaginative brain developed this awesome cup into an electric cup and by this I mean that I thought it would be really cool to have a mixer/spoon within the cup. Basically, with this electric cup, whenever you make coffee, hot chocolate etc. you won't need to wash an extra dish. You won't need a spoon anymore. All you need to do it press the button which is located opposite of the handle and it'll do the job for you.

Basic Information:
Age group: 9+
How many can use it: Anyone!
Aim of toy: the aim of this toy is so that you don't need to wash an extra dish anymore and also it will be very quick and easy to make any beverages.

Spoken Word

Manukau
Where I am from I see clothing in all directions.
Where I am from I hear music and laughter which sounds like a beautiful harmony.
Where I am from I touch my hair which flows breezily from the wind.
Where I am from I feel the cold air and all the air conditioning on to my face.
Where I am from I taste the amazing fruity smoothies.
Where I am from I smell the delicious aroma of food all surrounding me.

Etch-A-Sketch

Name: Etch a Sketch
Date Invented: In the late 1950’s, though it was marketed on July 12 1960
Inventor: Arthur Granjean
Costs: Today’s price: $15 - $20
Audience: Age’s 2 - 82

Etch a Sketch is a mechanical toy which was made in the late 1950’s by a frenchman, Arthur Granjean. He created this in his garage and named it L'Ecran Magique, The magic screen. In 1959 he took his toy to a International Toy Fair in Nuremberg, Germany. At first the Ohio Art Company weren’t interested by this toy but when they saw it a second time they decided to give it a go. They renamed it Etch a Sketch and NOW these are one of the most famous toys in the world. Also now Etch-a-Sketch has over 2000 users, ages 2-82

B - Bigger = The button that you erase your picture with because sometimes it’s very small.
A - Add = I would like to add a few cool features e.g buttons that make the screen cleaned up or stamps, so when you put the stamp on the screen, the pattern would go on nicely and you wouldn't even need to draw it.
R - Replace = I would like to replace the screen and have a screen that is more clearer because then you'll be able to make more intense artwork.

Terrorist Massacre

Have you ever heard about the Terrorist Massacre that happened in 1972? These were the Olympic games which were held in Munich, West Germany. This controversy that happened during the games were actually very tragic because by the end of this whole situation a lot of people were injured and there was around 20 people killed.

Why don't you watch this movie, I have created and find out for yourself, all about what happened?  

The Bush

It was a bright sunny day, though the trees above them made it look dark, haunted and scary. The three 17 year old girls, Danielle, Jade and Lianna kept walking, paying no attention behind them. The previous day, Danielle had received a letter that said to go out and look for another letter which was for the 3 best friends. It read ‘Here’s a map, go and get the other letter. You wouldn’t want the whole town to find out all your dirty secrets, would you?’

“Dani, Jade please come on lets go back” Lianna whispered. “This is so scary and I’m getting freaked out”. Dani and Jade payed no attention, whatsoever. They NEEDED to find this letter! The 2 girls couldn’t go back NOW, they were already half way through. Lianna on the other hand was against this whole idea from the start, she’d been one of those suspicious ones ever since a few girls from high school played a scary prank on her.

The 3 of them sat down for a break. They needed water and also needed to get a torch out, it had been starting to get darker and darker. As the girls sat on a rock in silence, Jade hears a ruffling sound. “Guys, shhh! Listen.” but by that time the ruffling had stopped. It’s nothing, probably you’re just hearing things, Danielle had said though Jade couldn’t stop thinking about it.

Not long after, they started to walk again. They only needed to walk a bit before Danielle had spotted the x. All the girls ran to it and saw there was a letter placed under a small stone. “Why don’t we read it after we get home, cause it’s becoming dark and we really should start heading home” Dani explained.  Jade and Lianna agreed.

As they were walking back, Dani hears footsteps and they didn’t seem like Jade and Lianna’s. “I think someone is following us, you think?”
“Yes, I told you! Come on lets run!” Jade says trying to whisper but was a epic fail.
They started to run, getting faster and faster as they ran. The girls out of breath stop to see what was behind them though there was nothing. “I swear, there was something or someone behind us” Dani shrieked, still trying to catch her breath.
“Guys look there’s that arch that was there when we came. It’s the way out. Come on” Lianna, managing to say that all too quickly, though the girls knew what she was saying, by her hand gestures.

As soon as Dani, Jade and Lianna got out of that forest. They get to Dani’s house and race up to Dani’s bedroom. Quickly, Jade got Dani’s backpack that they had placed the letter in and took it out in a swift motion. Jade read “Got yah! Danielle, Jade and Lianna, don’t fear, your secrets are safe with me, maybe?”

Writing Practice

Sweat beads dripped down his forehead as he hid behind a tree. He couldn’t control his breathing though he tried his best to be super silent. The wind blew hard and you could hear the whistles of the night. However, tonight the winds blew EVEN harder and it just wouldn’t stop precipitating. The trees shook fearsomely. Soldiers ran across the forest with their battle equipment about to get on with the fight.

Beach Calamity

Lucy lay there on the beach, relaxing. “What a lovely summer day” Out in the distance she could see the sea glimmering. The glare made her squint so she put her sunglasses on, protecting her eyes from the hot, bright light. She felt the need to quench her thirst but shrugged it off, she wanted to make the most of the last day of summer before school started.

Lucy had calmly lain there enjoying the scorching hot summer sun but was now starting to feel restless. Lucy couldn’t take it anymore. She needed a drink or some delicious coldness in her mouth. As energetically as she could, Lucy arose from where she lay and looked around to find something that sold ice lollies or a cold drink. Way out in the distance she saw a van selling ice cream and many others summer goodness.

Casually walking along the shore where the van stood she thought to herself “That’s a odd place to put a van”. Lucy stood in line so she could get herself her favourite cookies and cream ice cream. She glanced around until her eyes caught something. Eye’s bulged straight out of her eye as she saw what’ was happening. Lucy runs until she is out of breath. And there where she stood, was a little kid SINKING.... in the sand!

The little kid looked around the age of 5 years. He screamed and shouted but nobody even helped. What is wrong with these people, Lucy thought. “OMG, what’s happening?” she shrieked. “HELP! GET ME OUT! MUM! MUM!”

With all of her might, Lucy pulled the kid but unfortunately he didn’t budge. The sand though was very powerful against Lucy, though she tried. She tugged and tugged on the boy but he didn’t seem to budge at all. “1...2...3.... PULL!!” and she pulled with all her strength and out he came.

The kid bawled. Lucy asked what was wrong. In between sobs he managed to choke out that he wanted his parents. A lady with blonde locks rushed over... Lucy picked up the kid and together they went to look for his parents.

Soon, they found both the parents and sure enough, his parents were very pleased she helped. “Thank you soo much, we really appreciate what you did!” his mother shrieked. They thanked her once again and walked away. Lucy was glad she’d done some good on her last day of the summer by helping a innocent little kid. Feeling pleased, she decided that she need a reward, how about I celebrate with some food, she thought.

Cross Country

As soon as the gates opened up, Ms Squires signalled we could start running. Emilee and I, start jogging. As people rush past us on the sidewalk, we slow down not wanting to cause any accidents. We walk till the other year 7 & 8 finish hovering past us. As they emerge further in sight, Emilee and I start running again.

By the time we were coming back. Emilee and I were already breathless. Though we didn’t give up. We kept on running till we were half way to school. Taking long strides, thinking I’d get to the end was a really stupid thing.

Legs aching, arm’s throbbing, I carry on putting one foot in front of the other. I look up to see how much distance I had left. Surprisingly though I was so close to the gate. “You can do it. Keep on going! there’s only a little bit left” and with that chanting in my mind, I kept running and running to the finish line.  

“Finally!!” I exclaim. It was an amazing feeling to finish this. Head dropped, hands on knees I breath heavily trying to calm down. It’s always hard at the beginning but you eventually get it over and done with.

Cyber Coach

“Would you like to continue and do a hip hop class?” I read in my mind. I press continue. I wait for the first two teams to come to do this activity. Bored, I wait until I hear whispers and small talk heading to the street. I go back into the room and play the cyber coach so everyone can start dancing.

What’s cyber coach? This is a dance game where you learn how to do dance’s in many different styles. These include hip hop, ballet, street dance and many others. Cyber coach is like zumba really.

10 minutes through the game, everyone seemed to have been enjoying themselves. It looks great having everybody enjoying themselves and having fun. These are the moments we should cherish.

Olympics Day

Searching through the sea of multi coloured t-shirts for Mino, the leader of our team. “Everyone get in a line we’re going to sitting volleyball.” she exclaimed. We head quietly to the hall, where the game took place. Mr Jacobson the teacher in charge strode towards us.

This Olympics day Miss Va'afusuaga had organized was going alright but when it came to playing volleyball while sitting seemed rather interesting. Mexico (the country I was in) versed Kenya. We positioned our team and started playing. “MUBBA, HIT IT!” my ears started ringing with voices telling me to do so. I hit it and the ball kept coming and going until one of our opponents team members hit the ball, though fortunately it didn’t go over the net, which made our team win.

Mexico had already did 7 of the activities, handball, volleyball, foursquare, ultimate frisbee, touch and rounders. My favourite till now was the sitting volleyball. We still had one more activity after lunchtime which was 3 legged soccer. This also caught my attention and I really looked forward to this.

Not long after lunch, Mexico was sitting down on the bottom field waiting to do the 3 legged soccer with Ms Squires. We got told that we would all need to get with a person with a similar height and we would have to put a band around one of our partners leg and your leg. It was actually a little tricky to maneuver but me and Serena, who I was with managed pretty well.

Serena and I both worked simultaneously and ACTUALLY got 2 of the goals. There were many players sprawled across on the ground. Soon after, Ms squires announced that we would have to go individually now and put a band around both your legs, this ended up making people hopping all around the field. Me obviously thinking this was super funny started laughing uncontrollably and ended up falling on my butt.

This was actually one amazing day. At the beginning of the day, I thought this was going to be something like athletics, but my guesses were obviously wrong, since these ended up being a few silly games as well. I wish our school would do these kinds of days more often.

Joshua Iosefo at Pt England!

Joshua Iosefo, who was an average New Zealand teenager who did an amazing job expressing polynesians and talking about stereotypes came to our school. If you don’t know already, he wrote an amazing poem which being a prefect he recited it to his school, Mt Roskill Grammar.

This inspiring teenager, opened up minds of many New Zealand kids and young adults. As him and his family came to Pt England today, the year 7 & 8’s welcomed them by doing a mihi, karakia and a waiata. Which he thought was pretty neat.

He said a few words about himself then started to recite his poem to us live. It was an amazing privilege to have him talk to our yr 7 and 8’s. Hopefully his words of wisdom that he has given us today will encourage us in life and also guide us to the right path to achieving our goals.

Social 2012

I glance at the clock. 5:00pm! "Oh My Gosh!" I had only 45 minutes before Selina was going to come pick me up. My clothes were all spread out on the bed, and I still hadn’t done my makeup and hair. Frantically I ran around the room looking for everything I needed. Camera, ticket, clothes, makeup, shoes. Phew! I had everything.

Lesley, who I had met earlier and I walk through the doors after we had given our tickets. As soon as we enter the hall, we are welcomed with craziness, dancing and ear splitting music. “WOW!!” Lesley and I exclaimed. Both of us head of to the dance floor where we were greeted with hugs and people complimenting our dresses and skirt. I had worn a blue mullet skirt, a casual black top, a purple scarf and a leather jacket.

As I was talking to Lesley, I hear a familiar beat that I loved. Right away I knew what song it was, One Direction - What Makes you Beautiful! As soon as the song starts everyone starts screaming my name. They knew I loved One Direction. I wait till my favourite part comes and I start dancing away to the music. A lot of people actually were surprised, they never knew I danced that much.

Soon, when the song finished, Selena who was DJ announced that whoever wants to be in a Dougie comp has to go in the middle and all the others had to get in a circle. It started out with a few people but through the middle of the song a lot of people joined in and did their moves. Nezinli had won the comp since he was the best.  

By the end of the night, I had, had a great time. To be honest, I actually thought that this years social was better then last times because there was more music and because I had actually danced to most of the songs. This is what I would call a memorable moment!

Smoking.

Who hates smoking? I most certainly do. Smoking is something that can cause a lot of health issues. This deadly thing is the leading cause of many types of cancer and illnesses. Here a list of few:
- Lung cancer
- Kidney problems
- Stomach problems
and many other problems associated with a human’s body.

This doesn’t just mean destruct you body from the inside but from the outside, your appearance would be damaged as well.  Here is a list of few things that can be deformed by smoking:
- Yellow teeth
- Yellow fingers
- Smelly breath
- Black toes
and also many other harmful things. You wouldn’t want this to happen to you, would you?

One of the other things that people never tend to keep in mind is how much money they are spending on smokes. Let’s just say if a packet of smoke would cost $14 and you brought a packet everyday, you would be spending $98 a week, $420 a MONTH and around $5040 a YEAR! SHOCKING, right?

From all the information I gathered, I know that even though smoking is deadly, it is also very expensive. For the money though, you could save that up and buy yourself something you want or anything you want. My advice, don’t start.

Neil Armstrong Tragedy

25th August 2012, tragedy struck America as they mourn the loss of one of their hero’s. At the age of 82, Neil Armstrong died after complications after his heart surgery. If you didn’t know already, this is the first person that set foot on the moon.

“One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” This phrase was said by Neil Armstrong as he set foot onto the moon. He was the commander of the space rocket, Apollo 11 which was rode on the Lunar Space Mission in 1969.

This great man has shown the world what a great achievement is. We pray for his family and friends also America who has lost one of their hero’s.